Frequently Asked Questions

The Compass Rose School serves students in kindergarten through 5th grade (ages 5-11). Programs are organized by grade band (K-2 and 3-5). Individual tutoring adapts to each student's specific level.

Yes, all programs are delivered live via Zoom. We are based in North County San Diego and may offer in-person options in the future, but our current model is fully online, serving families nationwide.

Not at all. Our programs are designed for students from any school background. The hands-on, concrete-to-abstract approach benefits every child regardless of what kind of school they attend.

Franchise centers use standardized, corporate-designed curricula focused on repetition. At The Compass Rose School, your child works with a credentialed Montessori teacher using proprietary, narrative-driven curriculum built for deep understanding. Groups are smaller (3-6 vs. 8-15), and every session engages the whole child.

A computer or tablet with a camera and microphone, plus a stable internet connection. We use Zoom for live sessions. Students also need a clear workspace for hands-on materials.

For Mission Cohorts, students receive a materials kit with printed resources, activity supplies, and any specialty items needed for their specific mission. For Math Labs, students receive a home math kit with Montessori-style manipulatives (base-ten blocks, fraction circles, geometric solids). Kits are shipped before the first session.

It is our gamified progression system. As students complete missions and demonstrate growth, they earn ranks from Apprentice Navigator to Master Cartographer. It provides meaningful recognition beyond letter grades and gives students something to work toward that they genuinely care about.

Mission Cohorts have 4-6 students. Math Labs have 3-4 students. Summer camps have 8-12 campers. Private tutoring is 1-on-1 or 1-on-2.

A Mission Cohort session begins with a narrative briefing that sets the day's challenge. Students then work individually and in small teams using hands-on materials, maps, documents, and interactive activities. Sessions close with a group debrief and Navigator's Log entry. It feels more like a collaborative expedition than a classroom.

Absolutely. We offer free Discovery Sessions where your child can experience the Compass Rose approach firsthand. Book one through our enrollment page.

If your child is not a good fit, we offer a full refund after the first session. After the second session, we offer a prorated refund for remaining sessions.

Yes. 10% sibling discount on all programs. We also offer 5% early-bird discount for semester prepay. Discounts may be combined.

All sessions are scheduled in Pacific Time (PT). We work with families in other time zones to find schedules that work.

Yes. Our enrichment cohorts and math labs complement homeschool programs beautifully. We offer flexible scheduling and can work with families to align our curriculum with their homeschool plan.